SOC 115F
Technology, Media, Culture, and Society

In this seminar we look critically at the nature and role of media and technology in our lives, and develop students' abilities to think and write critically about them. We will examine questions about the impact of network technology and digital media on social, political, economic, and cultural institutions that comprise modern society. How are digital networks and new media transforming civilized society? What elements of society are affected? How will these changes evolve as technology continues to advance? To address these questions we will read social critics and social scientists who analyze and comment on the sociology, anthropology, and psychology of the wired life, with an eye toward current controversies about technology's impact. We will also explore the impact of digital media on a variety of applied domains, including business, politics, regulation, education, journalism, publishing, architecture, interpersonal relationships, community development, religion, entertainment, recreation, and others.

Course obligations and deliverables are described in detail in the course syllabus.

INSTRUCTOR

Bruce Barry
Professor of Management and Sociology
Owen Graduate School of Management
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN 37203 USA

office: 307 Management Hall
email: bruce [dot] barry [at] vanderbilt [dot] edu
office hours: by appointment

One Book is Required:

Erik P. Bucy, Living in the Information Age (second edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2005.

Online Readings: Many readings are found through links on this course Web site.

Research Resources:

Vanderbilt's Central Library has prepared a resource page for SOC 115F.

Citing Sources in Papers:

Here is a link to a handy guide (from Williams College) to the Chicago Manual of Style.

You can also browse the full Chicago Manual of Style.